The Fashion Circuit: 2026 Applications Now Open
Applications Open: November 1, 2025
Deadline: November 28, 2025
Interviews: Conducted on a rolling basis
Decisions Announced: December 2, 2025
Join The Fashion Circuit
The Fashion Circuit is opening applications for Designers, Circuit Team Members, and Fellows (Design & Creative) for the upcoming 2026 season.
Whether you’re ready to showcase your work on the runway, gain experience behind the scenes, or grow through hands-on collaboration, this is your chance to be part of Des Moines’ evolving fashion movement.
Available Opportunities
Designers
Applications are now open for our Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26) and/or  Fall/Winter 2026 (FW26) shows.
Show dates will be announced publicly at a later time.
This is your opportunity to bring your vision to life on one of the Midwest’s most innovative runways.
Circuit Team
Be part of the group that makes it all happen. Circuit Team members work across areas like production, marketing, media, set design and partnerships to bring each show and event to life. This is a year long position.
Both Circuit Team and Fellow positions are volunteer-based with an average time commitment of 5–15 hours per week, increasing in the two weeks leading up to each show.
Fellowships
Our Design and Creative Fellowships are yearlong learning experiences designed for emerging professionals looking to gain hands-on experience in fashion, events, or creative direction.
Both Circuit Team and Fellow positions are volunteer-based with an average time commitment of 5–15 hours per week, increasing in the two weeks leading up to each show.
Our Pillars
The Fashion Circuit runs on three guiding principles:

• Organization – Respecting structure and deadlines.

• Communication – Staying transparent and collaborative.

• Respecting Each Other’s Time – Valuing balance and boundaries.

These principles keep our creative community strong, efficient, and inspiring.
Who Should Apply
You don’t need to be an expert in every area — what matters most is passion and willingness to learn. Choose a role that aligns with your interests and long-term goals, and bring your authentic self to the team.
Important Notes

• Applications close November 28, 2025.

• Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, so early applications are highly encouraged — roles fill up fast.

• Decisions will be announced by December 2, 2025.

Apply early. Learn boldly. Create with purpose.
Be part of The Fashion Circuit — where collaboration meets creativity.

We’re excited to announce our next Pull Up & Stitch event! Pull Up & Stitch is The Fashion Circuit’s monthly sewing workshop that connects creativity with community. Each month, Rachel Gai (@r_reloaded) and Destiny Williams (@dlashayyy) lead participants in hands-on sewing projects while giving back to the community. 

This October, we’ll be making aprons and potholders and collecting household donations for the Supply Hive! (@thesupplyhive).

The Fashion Circuit presents “The Archive of Us” this seasons fashion show examines the memories that developed our identities and influenced our style. 

We each hold a personal archive of stories and experiences that often transcend our everyday lives. 

For our F/W ‘25 we selected designers who quite literally put their heart on their sleeves. Taking us on a journey through stitches , fabrics, and silhouettes.

Join us Friday, September 26th at 7pm for for a night dedicated to the creatives of Iowa.

Hosted at Olson-Larsen Galleries (@olsonlarsengalleries) in West Des Moines, Iowa the night includes a Sip & Social, POV Cameras, and of course the fashion show with sounds by Deejay Ezy (@djezymng) 

We’re excited to announce our third Pull Up & Stitch, a monthly sewing workshop where creativity meets community care. Each month, Rachel Gai (@r_reloaded) and Destiny Williams (@dlashayyy), lead participants in hands-on sewing projects while giving back to the community. This September, we’ll be making reusable sanitary pads and collecting donations for the Young Women’s Resource Center (@ywrcgirls). 

This summer, we’re excited to introduce Pull Up & Stitch—a new monthly workshop series held on the last Sunday of each month, created in collaboration with Rachel Gai, designer behind Rachel Reloaded (@r_reloaded ), and supported by creative visionary Destiny Williams of DSTNY Studio (@dlashayyy ). Each session is rooted in a spirit of service and skill-sharing, where proceeds or contributions go directly toward helping our local community.

Join us on Sunday, August 24 for our first workshop, where we’ll be making Blessing Bags. You’ll create two bags—one to keep and one to donate to someone in our community who is currently unhoused.

🎟 Entry = Donated Supplies.

Please bring items like:

• Sanitary products

• Reusable water bottles

• Socks, toothbrushes & toothpaste

• Lip balm, combs, razors

• First-aid kits, hand wipes

• Winter hats and gloves

Registration is encouraged.

All proceeds and donations go directly back into supporting the community.

This event is proudly sponsored by Nisaa African Family Services (@nisaa.afs )

We’re back with another SewCial moment. Join us Sunday, August 17 from 5–8PM at The Conservatory (@theconservatoryev) for Sunday SewCial — a laid-back networking night for Iowa’s fashion, art, and creative community.

Every season, we host a free, community-rooted event as part of SewCial Impact, our initiative bridging fashion and purpose. Last season, we linked up with Rachel Gai of Rachel Reloaded (@r_reloaded) for an upcycling workshop that turned scraps into statements. This time, we’re keeping it chill, connected, and full of creative energy. Pull up, meet new folks, and get inspired.

The Fashion Circuit: A series created to explore the city in style through curated fashion shows in Des Moines. 

A project by creatives to help grow a sustainable ecosystem in the Iowa.

Join us Friday, April 18th to close out Gallery Night with a runway in Valey Junction! The show starts at 7 p.m. at Olson-Larsen Galleries. Before the show, enjoy Sounds by Cdisiac while creating your a piece with artist Siricasso. This showcase is for our community that poured into us. It’s a small taste of what the future grand show will encapsulate. That is why we are proud to share that the Fashion Circuit’s Spring 2025 show will be free to the public!

Donations are accepted.

Show up, look good, and get to know your neighbors.

Join us for Pull Up & Stitch, an exciting collaboration between The Fashion Circuit and Nisaa African Family Services, launching SewCial Impact—our brand-new free sewing machine rental program! This hands-on event will take place on Saturday, April 12th, from 11 AM to 2 PM, offering a space for creativity, community, and empowerment.

Led by designers and design fellows featured in The Fashion Circuit’s Spring Fashion Show on April 18th, this event is an opportunity to learn sewing techniques, explore fashion design, and connect with a network of creatives who believe in using their craft for a greater purpose. Participants are encouraged to bring a piece of clothing they’d like to upcycle or learn how to fix, making this a perfect opportunity to give new life to old garments while gaining hands-on sewing experience.

Beyond fashion, The Fashion Circuit is committed to the well-being of our community—beyond the garment. That’s why we’ve partnered with Nisaa African Family Services, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence within immigrant and refugee communities. Their work provides critical resources, advocacy, and healing opportunities for those in need. By collaborating with Nisaa, we’re using fashion as a tool to empower and uplift, creating spaces where creativity and care go hand in hand.

Registration is required, and spots are limited.